N.H.L.: BUSINESS; Canadian Clubs Get National Relief

The Canadian government is bailing out its six National Hockey League teams to protect what it regards as the country's national heritage.

No dollar figure was put on yesterday's federal aid package, which runs to 2004, when the collective bargaining agreement between the N.H.L. and its players expires.

The federal money, designed to keep the teams competitive and prevent them from moving to the United States, is contingent upon contributions from the league and from the city and province where the team plays, Industry Minister John Manley said in Ottawa.

''The federal government's willingness to participate in a shared solution for Canadian N.H.L. teams is not about giving money to rich hockey players and team owners,'' he said. ''It's about helping these teams get through a difficult period so they will be in a position to emerge from their current financial problems as sustainable Canadian N.H.L. franchises.''

Manley acknowledged that the plan had its critics but said many Canadians felt passionately about the game.

The federal contribution is not to exceed 25 percent of the total of any aid package involving the league, the city and the province involved. It will be reviewed annually and is to be repaid to Ottawa if the team moves.